LIHUE—Students, faculty, staff, friends and supporters of the Kauaʻi Community College gathered for a blessing ceremony and Open House to commemorate the opening of the new Campus Center on April 23. The Blessing was conducted by Reverend Wayne Vidinha, Sr. of Ke Akua Mana Church. The Open House was coordinated by ASUH-KCC student government and members of the Student Activities Council and clubs.

The new Campus Center, designed by Paul Noborikawa of Noborikawa & Associates of O`ahu, is a state-of-the-art transformation of space into a gathering place for Kaua`i CC students. It is the new home for ASUH-KCC Student government; KCC Board of Publications publishers of the “Ka Leo O KCC” student paper; International Education; Student Activities Council and clubs; and KCC Radio. The new facility also will house several instructional lecturers and provide a dedicated space for Veterans who are studying at KCC. New flooring gracefully curves throughout the rooms to create inviting meeting spaces, while paint color combinations evoke freshness and renewal. Glassed walls allow natural light to illuminate the interior and provides visitors an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the land surrounding the college. “Kauaʻi is so beautiful,” said Paul Noborikawa, architect and owner of Noborikawa & Associates. “I wanted everyone to see that throughout this new space.”

Kauaʻi CC Chancellor Cox also thanked the State Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) Project Supervisor Dave Whitaker and team from Layton Construction Company, the Office of the Vice President for the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges, and UH Board of Regents for supporting the project from inception to completion. Key members of the college involved in this project included John Constantino, counselor and student activities coordinator, who worked closely with the architect on the design; Calvin Shirai, KCC’s auxiliary and facilities specialist; and members of the college facilities and maintenance team.

“This marks another milestone in creating a campus environment that invites students to participate in their education outside of the classroom as well as inside” said Helen Cox, Kauaʻi CC Chancellor. “I know that this space will change the character of our campus for the better and look forward to working closely with the students in their future endeavors.”